Information
Landmark: National Museum of Racing and Hall of FameCity: Albany
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Albany, USA New York, North America
Overview
In Saratoga Springs, New York, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame stands as one of the nation’s top destinations for anyone passionate about Thoroughbred horse racing, where polished trophy cases gleam under soft museum lights.Since opening in 1950, just steps from the thundering track at Saratoga Race Course, it’s kept the sport’s history alive and celebrated its greatest champions.At the heart of the museum sits the Hall of Fame, celebrating excellence in Thoroughbred racing across every corner of the sport.More than 450 legends have been inducted-223 horses like Secretariat, Man o’ War, Ruffian, and American Pharoah; 110 jockeys, from Bill Shoemaker to Julie Krone; 101 trainers, including Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons and Bob Baffert; and 44 Pillars of the Turf, honoring pivotal owners, breeders, and other key contributors.Redesigned in 2020, the experience now features a sweeping 360-degree theater where a 16‑minute immersive film, *What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame*, narrated by Bob Costas, surrounds viewers in the thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowd.Each digital plaque highlights an inductee’s story with a short bio, photos, stats, and even a video you can watch in a couple of clicks.Permanent Exhibitions: Step inside and you’ll find displays that chart horse racing’s rise and cultural pull across the U. S., from dusty colonial tracks to today’s high-speed Thoroughbred events in Racing Through Time.Women in Racing honors the achievements of female jockeys, trainers, and other leaders in the sport, from the grit of the starting gate to the thrill of the finish line.The Anatomy of the Racehorse dives into the muscles, bones, and power that drive a Thoroughbred, from its sleek legs to the surge of speed down the track.The Jockey’s Life: An inside look at the grit, risks, and relentless training that shape a rider, from dawn workouts to the thud of hooves on packed dirt.In 2025, to mark its 75th anniversary, the museum will unveil *The Past is Present: 75 Years of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame*, a special exhibition showcasing its journey through worn leather saddles, faded photographs, rare papers, and snapshots of how the sport-and the way it’s shared-has transformed over the decades.The museum boasts one of the nation’s finest racing art collections, with vivid oil paintings, sleek bronze sculptures, and crisp black‑and‑white photographs.Paintings by Richard Stone Reeves and Franklin Voss hang beside historic trophies, brightly colored racing silks, worn leather saddles, and other pieces of racing history.The museum offers a variety of tours and programs, including the Tom Durkin Tour-led by the legendary racecaller himself, who shares insider stories and the kind of vivid trackside moments you can almost hear echoing through the stands.Oklahoma Training Track Tour: Offered only during the Saratoga meet, this guided walk takes you behind the scenes to watch horses thunder past in their early morning workouts.Trifecta Tours brings together museum admission, a guided trip along the Oklahoma training track, and a stroll through the Saratoga Race Course grounds, where you might catch the scent of fresh hay in the morning air.All year long, the museum hosts educational programs for schools, families, and even racing fans-sometimes you’ll spot kids sketching racecars in the gallery.Every August, during Saratoga’s bustling race season, the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony draws crowds for lively public celebrations and the official welcome of its newest members.Visitors of all ages can drop in for lectures, catch a film, or join a lively community gathering, all set on a regular schedule.From January 15 to June 1, we’re open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; June 2 through September 1, every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and September 3 to December 28, back to Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The doors stay locked on major holidays and certain event days, so check before you come.Adults (18–64) pay $20, seniors (65+) $15, students ages 6–18 or college students with ID $10, and kids 5 and under get in free; military members and certain groups receive discounts, and once inside the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, you’ll find vivid displays and stories that draw in both die-hard racing fans and curious passersby, making it one of Saratoga Springs’ top stops.
